NDP Leader Ryan Meili is promising $10 million for an addictions strategy and mental health emergency rooms. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

provincial election

Sask. NDP leader stops in La Ronge as part of northern tour

Oct 11, 2020 | 11:19 AM

NDP Leader Ryan Meili was in La Ronge on Saturday and announced his commitment to mental health in Saskatchewan.

He was in town as part of his northern tour, which also included stops in Beauval and Meadow Lake. While in La Ronge, Meili spoke about his commitment to Cumberland NDP MLA incumbent Doyle Vermette’s suicide prevention strategy that was voted down by the Saskatchewan Party government earlier this year.

“We wanted to come up and highlight our commitments to a suicide prevention strategy, but also an investment to address the crystal meth and opioid crisis here in Saskatchewan, and our overall commitment to invest in hundreds more health care professionals,” Meili said. “There’s far too many families who have lost loved ones, especially young people and we want to make sure we are making the investment so that people have hope and when they are in a crisis, they get the help they need right away.”

Meili also mentioned his recent $10 million promise to address suicide and addiction prevention and support. For instance, he explained at least $2 million will be spent on a crystal meth and opioid strategy with additional funding for mental health emergency rooms in Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, Regina, and Saskatoon.

Meili, who is a family physician, noted the idea for mental health emergency rooms comes from his experience practicing medicine. It also comes from feedback he received from frontline workers who recognized a need for such a service.

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“When someone is in a crisis and they go in with a mental health problem or addictions problem, they’re going to get dedicated specialized care right away,” Meili said.

Vermette, who has been the MLA for Cumberland since 2008, said he was pleased to have Meili come to La Ronge, adding it shows he’s serious when it comes to his support for northern Saskatchewan. In regards to mental health, he said the NDP is committed to making changes.

“$10 million is a good commitment to what’s already been allocated, so I am very pleased to say we’re willing to work and he’s willing to see it as a priority, especially with Tristen Durocher doing the walk he did.”

Vermette is campaigning against Sask. Party candidate Darren Deschambeault. The provincial election is scheduled for Oct. 26.

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno